Stephanie Stambaugh, Francis Scott Key, Jr.: The 6-foot middle hitter was the most powerful force at the net in the county. She had posted some impressive numbers through the state semifinals -- 196 kills, 77 blocks, 166 service points and 52 aces. Stambaugh topped the Eagles in several categories, including kills, kills per game, single blocks and aces. She repeatedly faced double- and triple-blocks and her 25-inch vertical leap helped her get above them to spray shots all over the court. In addition, Stambaugh can dink very well, which makes defending against her that much tougher. "She's gotten better and better," said Francis Scott Key coach Leo Totten. "The more she plays, the more she gets her confidence. She's only going to get better."

Coach of the Year

Leo Totten, Francis Scott Key: Totten's Eagles came up a little short in the state championship last weekend, but they had a tremendous season, finishing 20-1. Totten had a strong nucleus coming back this season, but the Eagles weren't that deep. He stuck with only seven players much of the time but still guided the Eagles to the state title match with Williamsport. That gives Totten a record of 70-18 in the five years he's coached at Key. Totten's Eagles have won three straight region championships and have been to the region title match all five years he's coached. With several key players returning next year, the Eagles should have a good shot to return to the state finals once more.

First team at a glance

Karen Carter, North Carroll, Jr.: Carter did a little bit of everything for the Panthers. She came up with numerous key blocks and well-timed spikes and kills and combined with Carisa Kreichauf to form a powerful one-two force at the net. Carter came up big in the key matches for North Carroll and should be even better next year. "She's still on her way up," said North Carroll coach Don'a Martin.

Carisa Kreichauf, North Carroll, Jr.: Much like teammate Carter, she caused opponents problems at the net. A powerful spiker and dinker, she had several weapons to score at the net. "She has a killer instinct; she knows how to end a play," said Martin. Also a good server, Kreichauf held the first service position for much of the season and was the third leading scorer on the team in serving.

Erin Ness, F.S. Key, Jr.: One of Key's most improved players, Ness' precise passing and setting helped fuel the Key offense throughout the season. Ness had 231 assists (3.6 per game), and 90 percent of her passes were good. Ness ranked second on the team with 93 percent serving and topped the Eagles with 203 service points. "She really stepped it up," said Totten. "Erin's worked very hard, and she got much, much better from last year."

Cindy Sheedy, F.S. Key, Jr.: The 5-foot-10 middle hitter came into her own this season, combining with Stambaugh to give the team a strong force at the net. Sheedy started in the back row to ensure that either she or Stambaugh would be in the front and it worked. Sheedy ranked second on the team with 129 kills (through the state semifinals). She also served 85 percent, scored 113 service points, and 90 percent of her passes were good. "She really blossomed this year, she's been steady," said Totten.

Amy Stephenson, South Carroll, Sr.: A strong back-row player who would do anything for a save, Stephenson was a true team leader. Stephenson was a very aggressive player and a force all over the court. The team captain was a good server also, leading the team with 154 service points. "We're going to miss her," said South Carroll coach Debbie Eaton. "She's got the kind of personality everybody's going to like."

Candice Young, Liberty, Jr.: Liberty coach Helen Derwin called Young "the glue" that held the Lions together, and it was easy to see why. The Liberty setter had a 99 percent accuracy rate with her sets (332 out of 336), led the team in service points with 156 and hustled all over the court. In addition to being strong on defense, Young also could play front row. She truly made the Liberty offense go.

Picking the teams

The Baltimore Sun 1995 All Carroll County volleyball and field hockey teams were selected by Jeff Seidel and Glenn P. Graham, respectively, through game observations and after consulting with area coaches.